Bicyclist Killed After Being Struck by Semi-Truck While Crossing U.S. 41 in Hillsborough County

A 49-year-old bicyclist was killed Tuesday evening after being struck by a semi-truck on U.S. Highway 41 in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Troopers said the fatal crash occurred around 6:45 p.m. near 24th Avenue South and U.S. 41 in the Palm River-Clair Mel area — a busy corridor often used by both commercial vehicles and local commuters.

According to investigators, the bicyclist, a Brandon man, was attempting to cross U.S. 41 when a Volvo semi-truck traveling northbound collided with him. The man died at the scene from his injuries.

The truck driver, whose name has not been released, remained on scene and is cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.

Florida continues to be one of the most dangerous states in the nation for bicyclists. Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) shows that hundreds of cyclists are killed or seriously injured each year, often in collisions involving commercial trucks or high-speed roadways.

Urban corridors like U.S. 41 — where large trucks, high traffic volumes, and limited crossing points intersect — present an especially deadly combination for cyclists.

Common factors contributing to bicycle-truck collisions include:

• Poor lighting conditions during early morning or evening hours
• Limited visibility of cyclists to truck drivers
• Wide turns or improper lane changes by commercial vehicles
• Lack of designated bike lanes or safe crossing zones
• Speeding or driver distraction

Even when cyclists obey traffic laws, their vulnerability compared to heavy vehicles makes these accidents particularly devastating.

Legal Rights After a Fatal Bicycle-Truck Collision

Families of cyclists killed in collisions with commercial trucks may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida Statutes §768.16–§768.26, known as the Florida Wrongful Death Act.

A successful claim can hold negligent drivers or trucking companies accountable and help recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support or services
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Loss of companionship and parental guidance
• Medical expenses incurred before death

When a semi-truck is involved, multiple parties may share liability, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company or owner of the vehicle
• Maintenance contractors
• Cargo loaders or third-party logistics providers
• Manufacturers of defective vehicle components

An experienced Florida truck accident attorney can investigate the cause of the crash, obtain black box data, review driver logs, and identify all potentially responsible parties to ensure full accountability.

Compassionate Legal Help for Families After a Fatal Bicycle Accident

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in bicycle and trucking accidents across Florida. Our firm combines years of experience in complex wrongful death litigation with a compassionate approach to helping families through the most difficult times of their lives.

We handle all cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

If your loved one was killed or seriously injured in a bicycle accident involving a commercial truck, you don’t have to face this alone.

📞 Call (305) 638-4143 for a free consultation with an experienced Florida wrongful death attorney.